Four undergraduate students at the University of Vermont (UVM) have been credited as co-authors on a newly published peer-reviewed study that examines how a Western diet combined with binge drinking accelerates liver disease. The paper, titled “The impact of a Western diet and binge drinking on metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease in male and female mice,” was published in Experimental Physiology. This achievement comes as the students prepare to graduate next month.
The topic is significant due to the rising rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. MASLD affects about one-third of U.S. adults and is projected to reach 50% by 2025. The condition is closely linked to diets high in sugar and saturated fat, while binge drinking—defined as consuming enough alcohol in a short period to reach a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%—often occurs alongside these dietary patterns, especially among young adults.
Led by Dr. Chris Skinner, assistant professor in UVM’s Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, and PhD candidate Ihsan Shawki Akili, the research involved senior undergraduates Jake Grenon, Maddy Orlowski, Colby Filosa, and Alanna Sherman. These students played active roles designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and preparing figures for publication.
Skinner said: “Although this project’s main focus was on the interaction of diet and alcohol on liver health, the sex-specific differences are the finding I am most excited about. We are the first group to publish on a Western diet and binge drinking in females… so we can hopefully develop treatments and strategies to reduce the burden of disease.”
Akili emphasized student involvement: “The most important thing is project ownership… making mistakes is not the end of the world—it’s a valuable part of learning and growth.” He described how lab culture supports undergraduate learning through hands-on participation from start to finish.
Students highlighted both academic growth and personal satisfaction from their experience working with faculty mentors like Skinner: “I thought that’s such a relevant topic to study,” said Grenon about his initial interest; Sherman noted that “the skills in how to make those connections… have been a great experience.” Filosa added: “It’s rewarding and surreal… now maybe someone will be reading a paper I’m an author on in their class.” Orlowski shared her pride at seeing her name published for research she contributed directly.
Skinner credited institutional support for enabling undergraduate research at UVM: “Getting involved in research is the best way for a student to immerse themselves in the learning process… every single student who works with us is invaluable.” Funding came from several university sources including fellowships offices within UVM’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.
Looking ahead, some graduates plan further studies or medical school after taking gap years; others will continue research projects at UVM or pursue new opportunities based on skills gained during this work.
